About

$55,818

pledged of $50,000 goal

589

backers

We love the film industry and what it is doing for Louisiana.

Louisiana is this amazing place that will fill your senses to the brim. We have some of the best music, the best food, the best people and the best stories in the world. Anyone who has ever visited know this to be true. And as people who live here, we know it to be gospel! But for the majority of Louisiana's history, there wasn't an industry to support all of the singular storytellers here.

That changed about ten years ago when the State of Louisiana created a film tax incentive to bring jobs back to the United States from abroad. It was a landmark decision: no one else in the United States was doing it! And it has brought hundreds of film and television projects to Louisiana and BILLIONS of dollars in economic impact.

These successes are redefining our economy. It's reversing the "brain drain" of young minds to other states. And it's also attracting people to Louisiana, both new residents and tourists eager to experience our state.

Who are we?

We're LFEA, the Louisiana Film & Entertainment Association! We are comprised of lifelong Louisianans and newcomers to the state who believe in the future of the Louisiana entertainment industry. Some of us make movies for a living, some of us created companies that do business with the entertainment industry, and some of us just want to support what entertainment is doing for Louisiana.

We live in Shreveport, St. Francisville, Lafayette, Covington, St. Rose, Monroe, Baton Rouge, Houma, New Orleans...all over the state! And that's one of the great things about the entertainment industry: it impacts the entire state of Louisiana.

LFEA's Mission: We're a professional trade association created to grow the entertainment industry in the state of Louisiana. LFEA plays a substantive role in the long term prosperity of Louisiana's entertainment industry; an industry define by various sectors including film, music, digital media and live performance. The association works to bring together the individual working in the entertainment industry with businesses invested in Louisiana. LFEA's goal is to speak with one voice regarding the positive economic impact the entertainment industry provides to Louisiana.

What's the problem and what's the plan?

We need protect the Louisiana film industry to ensure its positive growth! The current film incentive (called the Motion Picture Investor Tax Credit) has created the best environment for long-term growth in the the country. We need to protect it in order to protect the growth of Louisiana's film industry and Louisiana's economy. If there are changes made, we want them to only strengthen and streamline that growth, creating more jobs and more opportunity.

To do this, we need to fund a landmark economic impact study. Louisiana Legislators are asking us for concrete data, and we need to give it to them. We need to give them an honest, independent study from the noted research firm HR&A. But a good study costs a lot of money: around $150,000.

And why are we doing a Kickstarter?

We have already started raising money to cover the cost of the study. Now we need to raise the final $50,000 to get the facts. We considered many options for how to raise this money. And Kickstarter was the clear choice because it creates an opportunity to do two things:

1) It gives YOU an opportunity to tell YOUR story. We know that film has a positive impact on a wide array of residents and businesses in Louisiana. And you should share your story. We want you to say "Here's My $2," which means "film has had an impact on ME!"

2)It gives us an opportunity to connect with you. The prizes are the perfect opportunity to connect with each other. By supporting this Kickstarter, you can mingle with filmmakers at the New Orleans Film Festival. You can meet one-on-one with a casting director, a talent agent, a film composer or a producer. You can learn how to break in to the film industry. You can meet a great headshot photographer! And we get to meet you and see what you have to offer!

By backing this Kickstarter, you are doing more than signing a petition. You are putting your money where your mouth is. By saying "Here's My $2," you are supporting film.

What are the prizes?

We have SO many amazing prizes and more yet to be announced! We've already received such an outpouring of support even before the campaign has begun. You can see a full list of all the prizes offered to the right.

One prize we expect to be a big hit are the official "Here's My $2" t-shirts (pictured above). They are incredibly soft and durable. For $42, you get a shirt in your size, a magnet, a sticker, access to attend a "Breaking In" class, your name in Scene Magazine and on a petition, and membership in LFEA for a year!

We'll be announcing all prizes on Twitter and Facebook, so make sure to follow us at @heresmytwobucks and facebook.com/heresmytwobucks. And of course, we'll continue to update this Kickstarter page throughout the campaign.

And by backing the Kickstarter at any level, you'll also get a one-year membership in LFEA. You'll also be able to vote at member meetings, receive the latest information on the entertainment industry, along with invitations to the best networking events. Find out more at lfea.org/membership.

What's next?

Fully funding this Kickstarter means we have also fully funded the new landmark economic impact study. And that's the first phase of the "Here's My $2" campaign. While the study is being conducted, we'll be hard at work fulfilling your awesome prizes! We'll be collecting your stories via video, email, Facebook and Twitter. We already have over 300 and need as many as we can get!

Once the study is complete, it will be released to the public, as well as given to the Louisiana Legislature and the Governor of Louisiana. It will be accompanied by your names: the people who believed in entertainment enough to put money on it and say, "Here's My Two Bucks!"

In Spring of 2015, the fun starts. We'll be publishing your stories in Scene Magazine in a special issue. We'll also be telling your stories: in emails to the Louisiana Legislators and the Governor of Louisiana, on Youtube, on Facebook and Twitter and on Scene's website at sceneent.com.

And our campaign will continue onto the steps of the Louisiana Capitol in May of 2015. There, we'll be able to share our stories face-to-face with our friends in State government, telling them just how great film has been for Louisiana.

What if we're unsuccessful?

We have a lot at stake. If we're unable to fully fund this Kickstarter, we won't have that money to fund the economic impact study that we need. And unlike some other crowdfunding companies, Kickstarter is ALL-OR-NOTHING. So if we come up even a little short, we get nothing. But we really believe you are out there! And that you have friends and family that have been impacted! It's important to get the word out early and often, and to keep telling your story.

And what's my story?

My name is Micah Haley. I grew up in Baton Rouge but now I live in New Orleans, Louisiana. I work for a company called Scene Magazine. We cover the film and entertainment industry in Louisiana and across the South. While attending college at LSU, I was counting down the days until I moved to Los Angeles to begin my career in the film industry. But to my surprise, Louisiana brought the film industry to me. After working on movies already in Louisiana, I worked to help bring films to Louisiana at the City of New Orleans' Office of Film & Video. There, I got a bird's eye view of how film was impacting my home state, and it was amazing.

Five years ago, I left to start Scene Magazine. We wouldn't exist without the entertainment industry. And yet, we do not participate directly in Louisiana's film incentive program. We also do not receive money directly from the film and television projects that DO participate. We are a part of the sustainable entertainment economy that is being created. But no current economic impact study accounts for Scene's existence. And that's why I was the first person in line to say, "Here's My $2."

Risks and challenges

The big risk is that we are truly funding an independent study. We are asking honest questions and we expect honest answers. We truly believe the results of the study will be positive because we see the evidence every day. But it is possible that the study may not depict our experiences.

But the good news is that we will still have all of you, who came together to fund this Kickstarter. That alone is a testament to the enthusiastic, statewide support of the film industry in Louisiana. The data that we are compiling by doing this Kickstarter is itself positive, factual evidence that supports the film industry.

If we're successful there will be a lot of prizes to deliver! Some of the LFEA members donating their time are incredible busy members of the film industry, so we may have some difficulty scheduling those meetings immediately after the Kickstarter, but they will happen. Please understand we're committed to fulfilling all prizes as soon as possible!

Support

Select this reward

Pledge $2 or more
About $2.00

For saying, "Here's My $2" you will receive your name on a petition that will be given to Louisiana State Legislators and the Governor of Louisiana, and you'll become a member of LFEA (unless you don't want to and that's ok!). You’ll also get to see your name in print in Scene Magazine as a part of a special thank you to all backers. And a Twitter and Facebook shout-out on both Scene and LFEA’s accounts!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $12 or more
About $12

For saying "Here's my $12!" you will receive a limited edition “Here’s My $2” sticker to proudly wear. It looks awesome on everything, so I guess you’ll have that going for you, which is nice. You’ll also receive all of the benefits of the $2 level.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $32 or more
About $32

Receive a pass to attend the workshop "Breaking Into the Film Industry." In this workshop, Scene Magazine editor-in-chief Micah Haley will offer methods on how to break in to a wide range of jobs in the film industry. Learn how to put together a film resume, how to find out what films are currently hiring, and how to apply for entry-level positions in the film industry. You’ll be able to ask any question you like about how to break in to the industry. You'll also receive the benefits from all previous levels.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $42 or more
About $42

“Here's My $2” T-shirt in your size. You'll be seeing these on every movie set in Louisiana. It’s a super soft tri-blend material, the softest, best t-shirt material in existence. It features the "Here's My $2" logo on the front and #KeepUsRollin on one sleeve. You’ll also receive all of the benefits of the previous levels. This is a really nice shirt!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $152 or more
About $152

You’ll be cast as a background actor in an actual film or television show! The best part about this level is that, by law, you have to be paid as a background actor. So by donating at this level, you will receive money back as a paid extra on set! Even if you don’t want to be an actor, being an extra will allow you to be near actual filmmakers on set, learning about how movies are made by the professionals. You also receive all of the benefits of the $42 level and below!

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Pledge $152 or more
About $152

You will receive a one-on-one career consultation with film composer Andrew Morgan Smith. In it, he will give feedback on your demo reel and answer questions relating to the process of scoring a film, setup for scoring to film, and interaction and collaboration with producers and directors. You also receive all of the benefits of the $42 level and below!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $202 or more
About $202

You’ll receive an all-access pass to the New Orleans Film Festival this October! This pass will give you access to everything the festival has to offer. Mingle with filmmaking professionals and build your network of aspiring filmmakers as you enjoy a week filled with screenings, parties and premiere events. You also receive all of the benefits of the $42 level and below!

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Pledge $222 or more
About $222

You’ll receive a one-on-one career consultation with casting director Elizabeth Coulon of Coulon Casting. Liz can offer you professional advice on what casting directors are looking for and how to perform well in an audition to land speaking roles in film and television. You also receive all of the benefits of the $42 level and below!

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Pledge $222 or more
About $222

You’ll receive a one-on-one career consultation with casting director Ryan Glorioso of Glorioso Casting. Ryan can offer you professional advice on what casting directors are looking for and how to perform well in an audition to land speaking roles in film and television. You also receive all of the benefits of the $42 level and below!

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Pledge $302 or more
About $302

You’ll receive one (1) personal training session with the gent who whips Zac Efron, Josh Brolin, Emilia Clarke and John Leguizamo into shape. Celebrity trainer Aaron Williamson will meet with you one-on-one at the gym to discuss your fitness goals, take you through a workout and give you a meal plan. You also receive all of the benefits of the $42 level and below!

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Pledge $402 or more
About $402

A New Orleans Weekend Experience. A three-day, two night getaway in one of the oldest cities in America. Experience a weekend in New Orleans’ most gracious 4-star luxury hotel, The Windsor Court. It's a favorite of the film industry! A few blocks from the historic French Quarter, shopping, the Mississippi River and Harrah’s Casino. Stay two nights in an oversized suite thats over 800sq ft. Amenities include a full-service spa, 4-Star/4-Diamond restaurant, Polo Club Lounge, Windsor Court Cocktail Bar, live music, traditional high tea every afternoon, pool, fitness center and more. Double occupancy, tax include. Subject to availability. Excludes Holidays and Special Events, and may be used only for room and tax. Valid through October 31, 2015. Find out more at windsorcourthotel.com.

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Pledge $502 or more
About $502

You get access to a 4000 square foot studio space at FOX 8 in New Orleans for one day. That’s a $1500 value! (Contact us before purchasing this level as an insurance certificate and scheduling is required). You also receive all of the benefits of the $42 level and below!

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Pledge $752 or more
About $752

Join LFEA as a Corporate member! You can vote at membership meetings. Your business will be recognized as a sponsor of the LFEA annual meeting. Your logo will go on the LFEA website and link back to your website. You'll also get access to LFEA's searchable database that includes member contact info, websites and more. This is regularly $1000.

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Pledge $802 or more
About $802

You or your business will receive a half page ad in Scene Magazine, which is read by thousands of people from Texas to Louisiana to Georgia. That’s a $1700 value! You also receive all of the benefits of the $42 level and below!

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Pledge $1,002 or more
About $1,002

You or your business will receive a full page ad in Scene Magazine, which is read by thousands of people from Texas to Louisiana to Georgia. That’s a $2300 value! You also receive all of the benefits of the $42 level and below!

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Pledge $1,002 or more
About $1,002

Tailgate like Tom Cruise in an Ecoluxe talent trailer from Hollywood Trucks. These custom-build trailers run completely on solar power, and include a Widescreen TV, Apple TV, Xbox, satellite television and more. They are perfect for a Saturday afternoon outside the Superdome or Tiger Stadium. Good for a one-day rental. You also receive all of the benefits of the $42 level and below! (Contact us before purchasing this level. Insurance certificate required).

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Pledge $1,002 or more
About $1,002

You can screen a movie of your choice at Second Line Stages, the movie studio in New Orleans where Green Lantern, Looper and big TV shows have filmed. You and 20 of your closest friends or coworkers will enjoy popcorn and your favorite flick on the big screen with perfect picture and surround sound. Perfect for film enthusiasts or business events! You also receive one of all of the benefits of the $42 level and below!

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Pledge $1,002 or more
About $1,002

You can screen a movie of your choice at Celtic Studios, the movie studio in Baton Rouge where Oblivion, The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn and Fantastic Four filmed. You and 15 of your closest friends or coworkers will enjoy popcorn and your favorite flick on the big screen with perfect picture and surround sound. Perfect for film enthusiasts or business events! You also receive one of all of the benefits of the $42 level and below!

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Pledge $1,002 or more
About $1,002

The talented professionals at Spectrum FX have offered three new opportunities to make your movie pop. For $1002, Matt Kutcher and his team will add an explosion to your movie, instantly adding incredible production values. They’re the pros, so they know how to do it the right way: safe and spectacular. Take your low budget feature or short film to the next level by adding a real movie explosion!

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Pledge $2,222 or more
About $2,222

You will be featured in a full page article in Scene Magazine! You will be interviewed by editor-in-chief Micah Haley about your business or your career (whichever you prefer). We’ll mention how awesome you are for backing this most worthy Kickstarter campaign and you’ll get to talk about how amazing you or your business are. You also receive all of the benefits of the $42 level and below!

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Pledge $5,002 or more
About $5,002

Preparing to shoot a short film, commercial, a super fancy wedding or your feature directorial debut? CINEVERSE (formerly Fletcher Camera) is here to help. For $5002 dollars, you will receive a $10,000 camera package to shoot your project. It’s up to you how to spend that, whether it’s a one short rental of an Arri ALEXA or a longer rental of Canon C100s. But it’s one heck of a great deal!

Certificate of Insurance required. Standard CINEVERSE terms and conditions apply. For full details please see http://www.cineverse.net/awardpackagerules.html.

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Pledge $10,000
About $10,000

We’ll assemble a team of filmmaking professionals to shoot and edit your short film. You’ll receive expert feedback on your script, help casting great actors and advice on how to enter your film in film festivals. Have a script but not director? We can pair you with a director. Are you a director with no script? We can help get you a great script too. (Please contact us before purchasing this level for additional details). You also receive all of the benefits of the $42 level and below!